US launches national security probe into DJI, Autel drones

The US Commerce Department has officially opened a Section 232 national security investigation into the import of drones and their components, a move that could significantly reshape the American drone industry and limit the future of major Chinese players like DJI and Autel Robotics.

While the probe was quietly launched on July 1, it became public on July 15 with the release of a Federal Register notice and the opening of a 21-day public comment period. The investigation will evaluate whether the reliance on foreign-made drones — particularly from China — poses a threat to US national security by weakening supply chains, stunting domestic production, and exposing sensitive data to adversarial governments.

National security, tariffs, and supply chain warnings

This investigation, carried out under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, empowers the Commerce Department to recommend tariffs, quotas, or other restrictions if imported drones are deemed to impair national security. A similar mechanism has previously been used by both Democratic and Republican administrations to target imports ranging from steel and aluminum to semiconductors and pharmaceuticals. But this marks one of the most consequential US actions to date in the ongoing effort to de-risk critical drone infrastructure.

The probe will evaluate:

• The concentration of the drone supply chain in foreign adversaries’ hands,
• Domestic production capacity, and
• The impact of aggressive pricing and foreign government subsidies that may be undermining US industry.

DJI, Autel drones at center of controversy

China’s DJI remains the world’s largest drone manufacturer, commanding over 70% share of the US commercial drone market at one time. Its smaller but still significant peer, Autel Robotics, is also widely used by public safety agencies and infrastructure operators.

Both companies have long been under scrutiny from US lawmakers and agencies over data privacy, ties to the Chinese government, and market dominance via subsidized pricing. A law signed in December 2024 by then-President Joe Biden opened the door to eventual bans on new DJI and Autel models in the US.

Now, with the Section 232 probe underway, DJI and Autel face the prospect of:

• Higher tariffs, making their products less competitive,
• Exclusion from federal procurement, and
• Potential placement on the Federal Communications Commission’s Covered List, which could halt importation altogether.

New: Here’s what would happen if the US bans DJI drones

DJI responds to national security review

A company spokesperson tells DroneDJ:

We encourage the Department of Commerce to carefully consider the substantial impact that any disruptions to the current supply chain would have on American small businesses, public safety agencies, and the broader drone industry. DJI drones have been subject to tariffs since 2017, and any additional costs could place significant burdens on small businesses, hinder the growth of the American drone industry, and disrupt the US drone ecosystem that we have continually supported.

The US drone industry includes not just manufacturers but also service providers, software developers, and commercial operators, many of whom rely on DJI products. These products generate more than $116 billion in economic activity across the country and support over 450,000 American jobs. It is essential to recognize the critical role that DJI plays in fostering innovation, saving lives, and supporting the livelihoods of countless individuals across America. We believe that a thoughtful and balanced approach is necessary to ensure the continued growth of the US drone industry.

Drone investigation: Aligning with broader federal strategy

But even as DJI insists it complies with all applicable laws and employs rigorous safeguards for data integrity, the growing tide of federal action shows a bipartisan resolve to move away from Chinese-made drones.

As such, the Section 232 investigation is not a standalone move but part of a sweeping US strategy to regain airspace sovereignty and boost domestic drone manufacturing. That broader push includes:

• Executive Order 14305 (Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty), mandating stricter surveillance and mitigation of unauthorized drone activity.
• Executive Order 14307 (Unleashing American Drone Dominance), which lays out a plan to reduce foreign drone reliance and incentivize American-made solutions.
• A $20+ billion investment in autonomous systems via the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1).
• A recent Department of Defense memo, that empowers field units to adopt and test US-made Group 1 and 2 drones while expanding access to pre-purchase commitments and loan programs.

These efforts aim to build a resilient, secure, and competitive US drone industry that isn’t vulnerable to foreign pricing shocks, supply chain breakdowns, or espionage concerns.

In response to the announcement, the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) has issued a strong statement of support. Its CEO, Michael Robbins, says, “For too long, US public safety agencies, critical infrastructure operators, and even federal agencies have depended on drones that pose significant risks to our national security. The dependence on adversary-manufactured systems that are dumped in the US below market value due to foreign government subsidies has also stifled the growth of a secure American drone industrial base, undercutting innovation, and forcing US manufacturers to compete on an uneven playing field.”

Industry impacts: New opportunities or short-term pain?

While national security and supply chain integrity are the primary motivators behind this investigation, the consequences could be sweeping for commercial drone operators, public agencies, and hobbyists:

• If tariffs or bans are imposed, agencies relying on DJI or Autel may need to overhaul their drone fleets or wait for US-made alternatives to scale up.
• For domestic drone manufacturers, this represents a unique growth opportunity, but it will require ramping up production and navigating certification hurdles quickly.
• International drone operators may also feel ripple effects, particularly those sourcing drones or parts through US distributors.

Essentially, the Section 232 investigation into drone imports represents a pivotal moment in American tech and trade policy. It brings together national security, economic resilience, and industrial innovation in a single spotlight, focused squarely on Chinese manufacturers such as DJI and Autel.

Whether the outcome is a reshaped market or simply tighter oversight, one thing is clear: the era of Chinese drone dominance in the US may soon be coming to an end.

More: DJI’s next product launch is all about digital worlds